NOVEL WEB Chapter 112: [DD2]: 111
Illustrious Virtue Hall
Inside the arena, as the final match concluded, both the official team and the reserve team gathered together. Elder Ma stood with his hands behind his back, looking at the fourteen figures before him, a trace of satisfaction in his eyes.
"It has been a month since you began training under my guidance," he said.
"During this time, you've sparred, cooperated, and grown familiar with one another. Both the official team and the reserve team have made significant progress. As your leader, I feel gratified by your development."
"The competition is approaching. In three days, we will set off for the Star Luo Empire to participate in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Battle Tournament. For these last three days, there will be no more training. Consider it a short break—relax and adjust your state of mind. In three days, our battlefield awaits, and we have only one goal: to win the championship! Do you have confidence?"
"YES!"
"YES!"
"YES!"
Their voices rang out powerfully throughout the arena.
"Good!"
Elder Ma exclaimed, clapping his hands. Two teachers from Illustrious Virtue Hall stepped forward, each carrying a tray. On the trays lay several objects.
"This tournament is of utmost importance. With the Hall Master's approval, each of you will be provided with a Grade 5 Invincible Shield for protection. This is to ensure everyone's safety. The Grade 5 Invincible Shield, once activated, offers defense equivalent to an eight-ring soul master for three seconds. However, it will be destroyed after use, so do not activate it unless necessary."
"Now, come forward and claim one for yourselves. Afterward, you are dismissed."
After Elder Ma finished speaking, the team members exchanged glances. Ma Rulong led the way, taking a shield, followed by the others, each collecting their own.
"Those who have collected their shields may leave. Ma Rulong and Su Yu, stay behind."
Hearing this, the rest of the team departed.
"Su Yu, I'll wait for you outside," Wang Dong'er said, nodding to Su Yu before glancing at Meng Hongchen and leaving. Meng Hongchen looked at Su Yu with tender eyes, her emotions soft and flowing.
"I'll wait for you."
"Alright."
With just a few words, their gazes met, exchanging unspoken feelings. Laughing, Xiao Hongchen glanced at the two being left behind, shrugged, and walked off.
Soon, only Ma Rulong and Su Yu remained in the arena. Elder Ma looked at the two with admiration evident in his expression.
"Both your strength and character are exceptional, and I'm very pleased with you two. I've asked you to stay behind to give you some additional instructions."
"This tournament is vital for the academy. Defeating Shrek Academy would be of tremendous significance for Illustrious Virtue Hall. The Soul Battle Tournament isn't just an exchange between academies; it also carries political implications and far-reaching effects."
"I won't bore you with the details, but know this: you must give it your all and win. You two are the calmest and most reliable in both teams, and I trust in your abilities."
"If you bring back the championship, I will report to the academy to reward you handsomely. Whether it's rare metals, precious treasures, or even an eighth-grade soul tool—it's all possible. As long as you win—understand?"
Elder Ma's tone was firm and serious.
"We understand. We'll win," Ma Rulong replied solemnly.
Elder Ma turned to Su Yu, who smiled faintly.
"I've been looking forward to testing Shrek's strength. I hope they're a worthy challenge."
"Haha! Great spirit! I'm confident you'll succeed."
Elder Ma laughed heartily and waved them off.
Ma Rulong and Su Yu respectfully took their leave. Outside the arena, not far from the entrance, Meng Hongchen and Wang Dong'er were waiting for Su Yu. A small smile appeared on Su Yu's face as he walked toward them.
...
In the following days, Su Yu lived leisurely—catching up on sleep or strolling with Meng Hongchen—easing the fatigue from the past month. Occasionally, Ji Juechen would show up to challenge him. As a sword fanatic, Ji Juechen's obsession with dueling was relentless; no matter how many times Su Yu defeated him, he would always come back for more. His persistence earned Su Yu's admiration.
Ji Juechen often brought Jing Ziyan along; ever since she fought Su Yu once, she had become a regular challenger. These two clung to Su Yu like glue—much to Meng Hongchen's annoyance—as they often disrupted her time alone with him.
By the third day, Su Yu and the others were preparing for their departure; tomorrow they would leave for the Star Luo Empire.
"That's enough for today. Let's spar another time," Su Yu said to Ji Juechen while Jing Ziyan looked eager to fight as well.
"You're leaving for the competition tomorrow, aren't you?"
Ji Juechen asked.
"Yes; we'll be heading to Star Luo Empire with the official team," Su Yu replied while glancing at Meng Hongchen beside him.
"In that case, we should spar now! Who knows when we'll get another chance?"
Jing Ziyan said boldly.
Su Yu sighed while Meng Hongchen's face showed irritation.
"Su Yu already said no! If you're so eager to fight, why don't you fight me?" she snapped.
"You?"
Jing Ziyan eyed Meng Hongchen skeptically.
"Fine! Why not?"
Meng Hongchen was ready to step forward when Su Yu stopped her.
"Meng'er, let me handle this."
Su Yu grabbed Meng Hongchen's arm as he spoke. She paused for a moment but then withdrew her steps; since Su Yu wanted to take action, she naturally wouldn't stop him.
"You two honestly are such martial arts fanatics... Forget it..."
Su Yu stepped forward a few steps and extended his right hand.
"To save some time—why don't you two come at me together?"
"Arrogant!"
Jing Ziyan shouted angrily while Ji Juechen silently picked up his heavy black iron sword.
Moments later...
"Ow!"
Jing Ziyan lay on the ground groaning in pain; her whole body ached from Su Yu's heavy kick—her once-delicate face was now bruised and swollen—and even her chest had not been spared from his ruthless strikes.
"You don't know you're not supposed to hit someone in the face?"
Jing Ziyan shouted indignantly; she was a woman after all—couldn't he be a bit gentler?
Ji Juechen maintained his usual calm despite looking disheveled and battered; his eyes remained resolute as he admitted defeat.
"I admit defeat! But after you return from the competition—I'll be back to challenge you again."
Even after being beaten black and blue by Su Yu—Ji Juechen remained determined; persistence was his main theme.
"I give up! You two are truly remarkable! Fine—wait until I return."
Su Yu was genuinely impressed by their spirit; knowing full well they couldn't win yet they still persevered—a kind of determination many lacked—it was this persistence that made Ji Juechen successful.
"Alright—I'm off."
Su Yu waved his hand as he walked to Meng Hongchen's side and took her hand; Meng Hongchen felt a little shy but sweet inside. Although their relationship hadn't been made explicit—there was already an unspoken understanding between them that anyone with perception could see.
Most people offered their blessings except for Wang Dong'er who sulked; everyone knew what she was thinking—her disapproval wasn't because Meng Hongchen was unsuitable but because she wanted her place instead.
However—for someone like Su Yu—with grand ambitions of having both arms full—this was just a trivial matter... Wang Dong'er was not a challenge; the timing simply wasn't right yet.
Wang Dong'er's special status meant that Su Yu had to wait for when he was strong enough to handle certain matters properly.
Walking leisurely around the academy with Meng Hongchen while holding her soft delicate hand felt pleasant to Su Yu—but their stroll was cut short by a summons from Jing Hongchen.
Seeing Meng Hongchen following closely behind Su Yu—Jing Hongchen's emotions were complicated: joy mixed with anger and wistfulness—as if his beloved cabbage had been uprooted by a pig!
Although somewhat willingly offered—and he had even helped along—the sight still left him dazed.
"Su Yu—treat Meng well! If you dare bully her—even if you're invincible in Ice God Palace—this Hall Master will fight you to death."
Jing Hongchen's old face tightened as he spoke sternly; over the past month—he had seen how close Su Yu and Meng Hongchen had grown—and this wasn't secret anymore!
His granddaughter seemed ready to give herself away—and all it took was for Su Yu just nod—to easily win her over!
But Jing Hongchen worried that Su Yu might take Meng for granted because of how easy she seemed to win over; understanding men himself—as someone talented and handsome with a strong background—he knew powerful individuals faced countless temptations!
Whether or not Su Yu could resist these temptations remained unknown—but Jing wanted make clear that his granddaughter would never be abandoned!
Even if Su Yu fell for someone else—Meng must never be mistreated! He didn't demand total faithfulness—understanding powerful individuals often enjoyed privileges—but as long as Meng was happy—he wouldn't interfere unnecessarily knowing meddling could backfire souring the relationship!
"Rest assured Hall Master—I would never let Meng down."
Su Yu turned holding Meng's hand firmly speaking with conviction; he hadn't planned on defining a relationship so soon—but since Jing brought it up—he decided to seize the opportunity!
Having a girlfriend didn't mean couldn't like others too; this was Douluo Continent after all—emperors had harems so why couldn't he have a few women?
When in Rome do as Romans do!
Su Yu felt confident handling aspect well—but Meng Hongchen however stunned and overwhelmed by joy; though they had grown closer—he never formally expressed feelings!
Now—in front of grandfather—Su Yu made it official! Her heart swelled with happiness mixed with shyness looking up and meeting a gentle gaze turning bright red quickly looking away resembling a startled little rabbit!
Watching the young couple display affection—Jing sighed helplessly; at age could they not show some consideration?
Though inwardly grumbling—Jing's expression softened; Meng being with Su wasn't a bad outcome!
Su's talent and strong background paired sense of responsibility made him an ideal match!
"I hope you two are happy together," Jing finally said gently after a sentimental exchange clearing his throat afterward.
"Alright, enough of your young love now! Your soul tool battle armor has been completed—I've called you here to pick it up."